I awakened this morning with the lyrics to this old song swirling through my heart:
“Yes, Lord. I hear You” as I rolled out of the bed. God wants our first fruit — even the beginning of each day.
Side note: Sometime when God allows, I want to share some about a book I read recently entitled THE BLESSED LIFE by Robert Morris (pastor of Gateway Church). He explains how to give extravagantly to our Lord. I highly recommend this book!
As I began to read the Bible, I turned to 2 Corinthians. This scripture stood out to me:
2 Corinthians 2:14-16But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? NIV
I loved the reminder that we are an AROMA!
Wow, look at the same scriptures in the Amplified Version:
2 Corinthians 2:14-16
But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things? [Who is able for such a ministry? We?]
2 Corinthians 10:5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
If you haven’t given God the first fruit of your day, stop and spend some time with Him. Read your Bible. Thank Him for what He has given you. Be a sweet aroma to His nostrils.
Father, I want to be a pleasing aroma to You. I want to leave a scent of You wherever I go. Help me to capture my thoughts and keep them in alignment with Your Word. Holy Spirit, thank You for convicting me and lovingly pulling me back on track when I stray. I love You and I praise You! You alone are worthy my Lord! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Matthew 6:33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Love this image. Being an aroma is so awesome to think about. Thanks, Beth!
Here I sit reading about this precious aroma and my home is smelling so beautiful. I lite a candle about a half hour ago and the whole house is beginning to have such a sweet aroma to it….Thanks for sharing our precious Father's Word with us sweet smelling sis.
Beth, may we always spread the aroma of Christ wherever we go. A good reminder!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Thanks for this post which brings up the aroma images.
This is a great teaching and
I love thinking about this.
I remember this song. It's
by Rich Mullins. Always loved
it.
A powerful post, Beth, and such an awesome prayer…
"Father, I want to be a pleasing aroma to You. I want to leave a scent of You wherever I go. Help me to capture my thoughts and keep them in alignment with Your Word. Holy Spirit, thank You for convicting me and lovingly pulling me back on track when I stray. I love You and I praise You! You alone are worthy my Lord! In Jesus' Name. Amen!"
This is my prayer, too!
Hugs…
Beth there's so much truth to this even an non-believer couldn't argue with!
Really enjoyed reading this..can you recommend to me more blogs who write like you because I'm stuck on some that aren't very enlightening and i"m ready to ''refresh'' my readers list if you know what I mean 😉
Thankx ever so much for sharing from the heart I do appreciate this about you and your posts :)))
Beth this was so cool to read. The topic of the Word of God and aroma, wow! Thank you for sharing.